Ole deserves same time at Man Utd as Liverpool gave Klopp

Joe Williams

Send your festive mails to theeditor@football365.com…

 

In defence of Solskjaer
While many, many, many, people have written their thoughts on the sh*tshow that is Manchester United, and most of them have valid points, I would like to offer a counterargument on behalf of Mr. Solskjaer. Most of those arguing for Ole’s dismissal use our results against the smaller teams as the main reason. I agree that they are truly dismal and are not fitting of Manchester United.

However, as a comparison, Liverpool in Klopp’s first full season followed a similar pattern. They went to the Emirates on opening day and beat Arsenal 4-3, then went away to Burnley and lost 2-0. While they then improved their record against the smaller teams, their losses for the rest that season are revealing: 4-3 away to Bournemouth, 3-2 at home to Swansea, 2-0 at Hull, 3-1 at Leicester, and 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace, the last time they lost at Anfield. They were undefeated against the Big Six that season, with 5 wins and 5 draws. Manchester United’s record this season is eerily similar: undefeated against the Big Six, with 3 wins and 2 draws at the halfway point of the season, and losses to West Ham, Watford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Newcastle.

My point with this rambling record comparison is that Ole deserves the same time Klopp received. United have been without our best player for the majority of the season, and injuries have ravaged what was already a small squad.

If you look at Ole’s transfers as well, you will find 3 of United’s better performers this season. His inability to break down the smaller teams is one that Pep faced in his first season, as did Klopp. People arguing for Pochettino must realize that, while undoubtedly the better manager, Pochettino has a horrific record against the big teams(why Spurs didn’t win a trophy) and that sacking Ole would probably lead to a dressing room mutiny. Rashford in particular has blossomed under Ole, Mason Greenwood’s introduction to the senior squad is being managed well, and even Martial(when he can be arsed) has played well. Unlike Mourinho, the dressing room backs Ole, and that counts for something. This was never going to be a one-season rebuild, and there are tangible steps being made(introduction of youth, improved transfers, Rashford’s form).

Here in America, Robbie Earle said something which really stuck with me: “Manchester United right now are a cup team, capable of beating anyone when they’re up for it, but unable to perform consistently in the league.” Although we look incapable of getting top 4, being a cup team means we can win the Europa league still, and that means Champions League football and our top transfer targets becoming attainable. Whilst I think Ole should never have been appointed in the first place, he is here now, and I will back him for at least another season.
Seb, Berkeley, MUFC 

 

Red cards
I thought I had written my final mail on Jose after his firing from MU last year. Again this has nothing to do with his abilities as a football manager though those are undoubtedly on the wane.

So according to Jose “ Rudiger must have broken ribs , after the Son challenge” , as several press outlets noted , sarcastically.

Well clearly Rudiger doesn’t have broken ribs as the challenge whilst intentional was not strong enough to cause an actual broken bone.

So therefore Jose is now saying a red card should only be issued if the fouled player has actual broken bones ? Charming particularly basis recent events involving the Son and poor Andres Gomez.

Whilst the Son challenge certainly wasn’t the most malicious ever made on a football pitch it certainly ranks as one of the most petulant along with a certain Mr Beckham and a certain Mr Rooney.

In all the comments on these pages there isn’t one fan who has said that the challenge didn’t deserve a red ( credit to Spurs fans for admitting as much ) yet now Spurs are going to appeal , this needs to be looked at , surely if you appeal and lose the ban should be increased.

Also isn’t that the 3rd red card for Son in 18 months ( one rescinded ) does any Premiership player have more , but he’s a lovely boy ….
DL , LFC , Geneva ( What have you done Spurs, Jose out  )

 

Steve Los Angeles,

Son’s previous red card got rescinded for a good reason, it was a tackle that would have been a yellow card but ended up badly. The injury was unfortunate but it doesn’t merit a red card as he did a yellow card tackle. We all know of the times people get injured from tackles that aren’t even fouls, thats why they are not too correlates when it comes to judgement.

The Rudiger incident is different, it was unlikely to seriously have hurt him but it was the manner of the tackle to the upper body with studs that was the issue and why its a deserved red, much like a two footed tackle attempt is a red regardless of the state of your opponent.

Also Son’s red card record prior to this calendar year (in EPL and Bundesliga) is excellent so he knows how to control himself. It is too early to tell whether it might possibly be his new normal or an outlier.
Yaru, Malaysia

 

The fixture pile up isn’t the problem
I don’t think any managers have actually complained about the number of games played in the premier league or when they are played; certainly Klopp hasn’t moaned about the number of club games Liverpool are playing. The issue is and always has been the fact that the top players aren’t getting a proper rest anywhere.

Between the World Cup last summer and the Copa America, AFCON, CONCACAF, UEFA Nations League, and obviously all the club games. A lot of the top players in all the European leagues haven’t had a break in going in 2 years now. I’m not going to ask Garth to imagine having to deliver at the highest level at his work everyday for 2 years without leave because that’s reductive, the point has been made before and we’re probably heading in that direction under our new government but Christ have a little empathy mate.
David, LFC

 

Ndombele and Winks
I’d have played Ndombele and Winks as the 2 CMs – both of whom can turn in tight spaces and find a pass. In hindsight playing a 3 in midfield looked the best option. Not sure really what Sissoko really is at Spurs but at least he put a shift in yesterday. I’d argue he’s only partially effective at being a defensive screen as he’s turned too easily (as is Dier). Understand the point about NDombele’s match fitness but if he’s on the bench then he must be fit enough to start if not finish.

Fair enough about the lack of windows to enable him to buy better players for the screen in front of our creaking defence, which makes the comments by him and Levy about being happy with the squad all the more bewildering. Have no personal gripe with Mourinho – just think the lack of tactics and imagination shown by his sides before arriving at Spurs would have put off us going for him. It’s predictable that the lack of a positive game plan seems to be a thing. It’s all just a bit depressing and that’s not even mentioning the disgusting racism.
Dave, (To Dare is Too Dear, ENIC out) Winchester Spurs

 

Can any Spurs fan please tell me why Ndombele isn’t getting a decent run out at Spurs. Every time he gets a few minutes he looks awesome! Always totally rated him. What’s the deal Spurs punters??
Duck

 

Rudiger incident
I am so utterly sick of people in football continually referencing wider society in the discussions around racism in football.

Take some fucking responsibility.

None of them want to actually take the required actions – which are closed grounds and points deductions; against the negligent clubs. Make no mistake. It’s the clubs that have to be hit and the fans (if they are serious about addressing the problem) are going to have to lump it.

Blaming it all on society is a cop out that essentially means they are going to do nothing that would cost them serious money (E.g. proper stewarding and crowd monitoring).

Gary Neville starts off ok. He really wants the PL to sort it.  But the only real sanctions the PL can introduce are ground closures and points deductions. Gary knows this, but also knows that there is knack all chance of it happening because the turkeys are not going to vote for Christmas.

So he wants politicians to sort it instead because, of course, it’s society that’s the real problem. He really wants boris to tell the PL to sort it out.

But boris isn’t going to deal with racism in football just like he isn’t going to deal with racism on social media. Gary spends a lot of time on social media. Gary wouldn’t really like it if twitter were legally accountable for abusive content but cost everyone £5 a month. His fan base would drop like a stone.

Gary is very frustrated and rightly so.
Graeme on the other hand wants some self-policing. Graeme has nothing more to offer than than that.
Ashley, an actual victim of racial abuse is unfortunately not as articulate as Gary or Gra. His rambling doesn’t make good telly, but at least he doesn’t say anything too controversial. Which is a real shame tbh.

Other people want to the players to walk off. Not the chairmen or the managers or the media or the fans of course. The players probably don’t want to walk off but lots of people are telling them they should, almost like it’s their fault if they don’t.

Fortunately Uefa have come to the rescue of this mess. They have introduced a protocol.

The protocol allows the game to continue without anyone getting upset or walking off or starting a fight or messing up the tv schedules. Almost as though nothing had happened at all.

Everyone is absolutely delighted that the protocol was used. Even though the protocol is a total waste of fucking time.

And so after spurs have been fined 28p, we’ll all be back to talking about super Sunday or the winter break or the transfer window. Until the next incident happens and we start all over again.

Happy Christmas!
Andrew in Huddersfield

 

Whilst I read exiled Gooner’s mail with interest, I’d like to point out that there are far more practical things that the everyday supporter can do to stamp out racism, homophobia and those curious weirdos who seem to spend the majority of any given match in an apoplectic, spittle-flecked rage at the nearest away player, fan or official who comes into his (it’s always a him) range.  For those that don’t know, all 92 clubs in the top 4 leagues (and some in the fifth tier) in England and Wales have a dedicated Police Officer ‘attached’ to them.  This Officer will attend each and every home game and as many away games as possible, but the latter is dependant on the local Police force’s consent.  (Some don’t for political and cost issues that I won’t bore you with here).  Their job is to detect and deter organised football violence as well as racist behaviour, and the type of anti-social behaviour listed above.  I was one of them for nine years working in Leagues 1 & 2.

So, what’s that got to do with you?  Well, let’s take the recent racism issues and add some coin/bottle/other object-throwing into the mix as well as the moron who thinks lighting a flare in the stands is a great idea.  For good measure, let’s also include the f*ckwits who think it is acceptable to sing about Hillsborough, Munich, or any other tragedy because they’re in a football ground and that makes it OK.

Firstly, most clubs have a dedicated mobile number that you should be able to text, or phone, with complete anonymity.  They tend not to be as widely advertised as they could be as most Chief Execs’ are fearful of the negative PR that might be generated if a whole lump of complaints come flooding in.  If your club doesn’t have such a system, then get onto your Supporter or Fan’s Trust and they should be able to ensure the club will introduce one.

Secondly, get the club to advertise both the number and its purpose on the official website and in the next available club programme.  Make sure both are done prominently and not buried in some back-page corner.  Strike while the iron’s hot folks, as board members won’t be able to resist this now whilst the PFA, Government, and mainstream media are highlighting it.

Thirdly, even lower league clubs have excellent digital quality colour CCTV.  Again, so what?  Well, this point is crucial.  Stewards tend to be avid supporters of the club they work at, or poorly paid (relatively speaking) or both.  They are most unlikely to put their neck on the line especially if the culprits are your clubs ‘lads’ (A very poor euphemism for hooligans) and you will have an excellent idea of their effectiveness whenever the home side scores.  As for coppers pitch-side (If you even have them that is) trust me when I tell you that, in the event of somebody throwing a coin or lighter, for example, you have to be lottery-winning lucky to be looking straight at the idiot that did it surrounded as they are, by a crowd of thousands.  The best person to identify any of this crap behaviour and/or the people responsible, are those in the stands with them at the same time.  And that, dear reader, may well be you.

So, you’re in the ground, and you hear or see any of the events listed above.  You should text the anonymous number with as much detail as you can.  The stand, section, row, description of the tw*t(s) (Colour, age what they’re wearing and the latter especially as they will almost certainly swap coats/jumpers after the event to avoid recognition).  The stadium control room then sets the CCTV system to task and both the head steward in the relevant area, as well as the DFO will be made aware.  The group or individual are then under the microscope, (And I simply cannot stress this enough), in no uncertain terms.  Between the Police and the Club, these idiots WILL be identified.  Previously unknown?  No problem.  Next game they attend they will be stopped by Police and they will be strangers no longer.

Sanctions can range from warning letters as to future conduct from the club to full-on criminal charges from the Police.  Mailers this week have been bang on the money when suggesting that offenders should be ‘shamed’ on social media.  By ‘shamed’ I would stress that this should be the Club announcing, loud and proud, that any violent, racist, homophobic or extreme anti-social behaviour will result in lifetime bans.  Where such ar*eholes are found guilty of any related criminal charges, their names and images should be splashed all over the local media, the club’s official website, and the relevant Police Twitter account, (Something the last two have been notably reluctant to do).  People who haven’t been to trial or who have been found innocent in a court should NOT be so treated.  Obvs.

Last but one.  If you are a regular at your club, or a season ticket holder who is witnessing poor behaviour on a regular basis, then it is entirely possible that you know the people doing it by name.  You may have known them for years and you might recognise them as fellow club ‘die-hards’ despite them doing things you don’t agree with.  Even if you’re neither of these things you can still phone CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or go to their website.  It’s an independent charity and has f**k all to with the Police.  Whatever you report, and whichever way you do it, no Police Force can obtain your details.  Believe me, I’ve tried.  If it were possible the entire system which, btw, ensures and has ensured some of the scum of the earth get put away, would collapse overnight.

Finally.  If you’re now thinking “F*ck off.  I’m no grass” or you baulk at actually reporting this outrageous behaviour then you, my friend, are the main reason why this sh*t happens and continues to do so.  You simply cannot abrogate your responsibilities by assuming that this is a Club or Police problem. It isn’t.  Cops and Clubs can’t zero in on people they don’t even know are ‘at it’.  It’s your problem and it will never, EVER, go away if people like you don’t do anything about it.  Nobody is asking you to front up a group of hooligans on your own.  Nor do you need to provide statements and advertise yourself to the same knuckle-dragging f**kwits.  But, it’s your Club and it’s your beautiful game.  Isn’t it?  If it is then, as I believe the modern parlance goes, own it.  By all means let the OB do their thing, but for all that is Holy, give then the information they need to do so.
Mark (The comments section is going to be even more of a cesspit than usual isn’t it?)  MCFC.

 

Is there anything more misguided and toxic than the old “it’s just a few idiots” line. Racism is deep in the fabric of British culture it has been through the crusades, the British Empire and through the 21st century as a backlash to increase immigration into the country- you can’t undo centuries of behaviour with a few cursory policy changes made over 2 decades. It may be dormant to a large degree but right wing antagonists have shown how easy it is to bring it to the surface.

There is a reason Pogba gets absolutely crucified for his performances but the worlds most expensive defender gets away unscathed week after week. There is a reason Sterling was the scapegoat for Euro 2016 and clanger merchant Joe Hart got away scot free.
Mr. F 

 

Johnny Nic
Dear MC,

Johnny Nic’s article on expectations was really good. I particularly liked this line: “If you have little or no expectations for your club on the pitch, you will never be disappointed, but you do stand a chance of being pleasantly surprised.” I think this might lead us down the rabbit hole of how real fans support their teams but I think Johnny’s spot on (and anyway why should it matter to anyone else who someone chooses to support their team?). This is pretty much how I approach games by teams I support (Zweigen, Palace, Atalanta) who for much of the time I’ve been following them have been mediocre at best. It’s a good way to enjoy football – actually it works for other sports too. Why not give it a try?

Regards,
James T, Ishikawa, Japan